Thursday, April 09, 2015

The Delicate Flowers of Michigan

Have you heard?

The University of Michigan was supposed to show the movie American Sniper, but some of the tender little dears thought the movie too violent, too anti-Muslim, too conservative! The decision was made, the movie would not be shown. In its place, the children's movie Paddington would be shown.

The movie is back on, so you might think more rational heads had prevailed. Not so much. There was a compromise:

Now comes news that, no, no, the university—generally regarded as one an outstanding academic institution—will now show American Sniper as planned. Via Foxnews.com:

University Vice President for Student Life E. Royster Harper called the decision to cancel the Friday night showing a "mistake" in a statement.
"The initial decision to cancel the movie was not consistent with the high value the University of Michigan places on freedom of expression and our respect for the right of students to make their own choices in such matters," Harper said. "The movie will be shown at the originally scheduled time and location."

And for all the students who wanted to see Paddington? They too will be made whole:

Harper added that the university will also screen the family-friendly film "Paddington" as an alternative.

Ohio State fans should bring teddy bears to the next game against Michigan. They deserve it.

So the same kids who in their spare time play Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty are somehow traumatized by seeing a depiction of real violence, real evil and real heroism? Obviously we have a reality problem.